Andrea Bocelli Concert Funds $1.2M Cancer Center Gift

When Andrea Bocelli's voice filled Rupp Arena in December 2025, the crowd had no idea they were helping make history for cancer care in Kentucky. That single concert became the cornerstone of a $1.2 million gift that completed the Lexington Cancer Foundation's promise to build a new home for families fighting cancer.

The Lexington Cancer Foundation presented the final check on February 15 during a University of Kentucky women's basketball game. Board member Lisa Mahan stood at center court to mark the completion of their $5 million commitment to the UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building.

The new facility will transform how Kentucky families experience cancer treatment. Right now, patients at UK Markey Cancer Center navigate six different locations across the hospital campus for appointments, tests, and treatments.

By 2027, this 550,000-square-foot building will bring everything together. Patients will find all their doctors, treatments, and support services in one place instead of rushing between buildings during what's already the most stressful time of their lives.

"The Lexington Cancer Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families throughout the Commonwealth," said founder Brenda Rice. "We are proud to complete this commitment to the new Markey Cancer Center building, which will bring a new era of advanced cancer research, treatment and services for all Kentuckians."

The new building matters beyond convenience. UK Markey Cancer Center holds a rare distinction as one of only 57 National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Centers in America and the only one in Kentucky.

That designation means patients get access to cutting-edge clinical trials and treatments available nowhere else in the state. The new facility will expand that access while helping researchers collaborate more easily to discover tomorrow's cures.

The Ripple Effect

This building will serve the entire Commonwealth, reaching families in rural areas who currently travel hours for fragmented care. Bringing services together means fewer trips, less stress, and more time focusing on healing instead of logistics.

The adjacent 2,400-space parking structure will ease another burden families face. When someone you love is sick, even finding parking shouldn't add to the weight you carry.

Kentucky is building a cancer center worthy of its people, one Bocelli concert at a time.